Proverbs 4:26

Old Testament Wisdom/Poetry ASV (1901)

What does Proverbs 4:26 say?

The American Standard Version records this verse as: “Make level the path of thy feet, And let all thy ways be established.” Read the surrounding verses and the named sources below before drawing broader conclusions.

The verse

Make level the path of thy feet, And let all thy ways be established.
Proverbs 4:26 — American Standard Version

Context — Proverbs 4

American Standard Version (1901) — public domain. Click any verse for its study page.
26Make level the path of thy feet, And let all thy ways be established.

What do historical commentaries say?

John Gill's Exposition
John Gill (1697–1771) · Exposition of the Old and New Testament · 18th-century historical commentary
“Ponder the path of thy feet, etc.] Consider well what path it is, whether right or wrong; or weigh it in the balances of thought, as Aben Ezra; or rather in the balances of the word, and see whether it agrees with that or not. The Septuagint version is, “make straight paths for thy feet”; to which the author of the epistle to the Hebrews seems to have respect, (<581213>Hebrews 12:13); and let all thy walls be established; so as to walk on steadily, constantly, uniformly, and not be easily moved out of the ways of religion and truth. Or, “let all thy ways be prepared”, or “directed”, or “disposed”f99; according to the rule of the divine word. Some render it as a promise, “and all thy ways…”
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Jamieson, Fausset & Brown
Robert Jamieson, A. R. Fausset & David Brown · Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible · 19th-century historical commentary
“Ponder--Consider well; a wise course results from wise forethought.”
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Barnes' Notes
Albert Barnes (1798–1870) · Notes on the Whole Bible · 19th-century historical commentary
“Speech turned from its true purpose, the wandering eye that leads on to evil, action hasty and inconsiderate, are the natural results where we do not “above all keeping keep our heart” Proverbs 4:23. return to 'Top of Page'”
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Wesley's Explanatory Notes
John Wesley (1703–1791) · Explanatory Notes upon the New Testament and Old Testament notes · 18th-century historical commentary
“Ponder - Consider thine actions before thou dost them, and see that they agree with the rule. And - Let thine actions be uniformly and constantly good in spite of all temptations. Next: Proverbs Chapter 5”
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Treasury of Scriptural Knowledge
R. A. Torrey and contributors · The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge · Cross-reference reference work
“Ponder: Pro 5:6; Psa 119:59; Eze 18:28; Hag 1:5, Hag 1:7; Eph 5:15, Eph 5:17 let all thy ways be established: or, all thy ways shall be ordered aright, Psa 37:23, Psa 40:2; Th1 3:13; Th2 3:3; Pe1 5:10 Proverbs 4:27”
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Related study paths

Sources and verification